Locking-switch



E. 0. SESSIONS.

LOCKING SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 2, 1917.

Patented J 11110 8, 1920.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

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LOCKING SWITCH.

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UNITED STATES EDSON O. SESSIONS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

LOCKING-SWITCH;

Application filed November 2, 1917.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EnsoN O. SESSIONS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county. of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Locking-Switches, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to locking switches of the type known as lock-in lock-out switches which are usually of the single throw type. lVith switches of this type designed for use in connection with alternating currents of high voltage and large amperage it is necessary to provide positive and strong locking mechanism for holding the switch blades in closed position to prevent large magnetic thrusts exerted on the switch blades tending to open them when for any reason a partial or total short circuit runs the current to a high value.

It is therefore desirable to dispose the locking mechanism so that it engages a retaining device adjacent the contact clip of theswitch for holding the switch blade or blades in their closed position, and with switches of this type it is generally desirable to provide locking devices associated with -.the pivot contact of the switch blade or :blades for holding the blades in their open position. For certain constructions of switches of this kind it is possible to employ the same general locking mechanism for engaging the device or catch for holding the switch closed andalso to engage the device or catch for holding the switch in its open position. Under other conditions it is impossible to make use of the same general locking mechanism for engaging both catches and it is a purpose of my present invention to produce a locking mechanism that will accomplish the desired results by providing auxiliary locking devices at a distance from the housing containing the main locking mechanism, the auxiliary locking devices being connected with the main locking devices by a connecting rod, so that the auxiliary locking mechanism may be carried by the switch blade between the pivot clip and the contact clip in any position required for a special case. My construction provides that the main locking mechanism and the auxiliary locking devices will be actuated simultaneously by movement of common operating members.

My invention will best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 8, 1920.

Serial No. 199,972.

showing a preferred embodiment thereof, in which- Figure 1 shows my complete switch construction in side elevation,

Fig. 2 is a front elevationof the parts shown in Fig. 1, V

Fig. 3 shows in a view similar to Fig. 1 the same general form of switch mechanism employed as a cut-out switch for an oil switch,

Fig. 1 shows in enlarged front elevation a part of the switch shown in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a part of the locking mechanism, the wall of the casing containing the mechanism being removed to more clearly show the construction, and

Fig. 6 shows in a view similar to Fig. 5 a modified construction of locking mechanism.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 a first support 19 has secured thereto a bracket 11 upon which the pivot clip 12 of the switch is mounted. The switch blade 13 is pivotally secured to the pivot clip 12 at 1 1 in a po sition to engage the contact clip 15 carried by a second support 16. The switch blade 13 carries a casing 17 containing the looking mechanism and from the casing a latch 18 projects to engage a catch 19 carried by the support 16 to securely lock the switch in its closed position. From the casing 17 there also projects a lever 20 pivotally connected with one end of a connecting rod 21, the other end of which is pivotally connected with a second latch 22 pivotally connected to the switch blade 13 at 23. The latch 22 is so disposed that it engages a catch 24 carried by the support 10 when the switch is in its open position.

As more clearly shown in Fig. 5 the casing 17 has formed through its opposite walls slots 25 for receiving a suitable operating tool. The latch 19 is pivotally supported upon a rod 26 carried by the casing and has an extension in which a slot is formed engaging a pin 27 carried by a first operating member 28, which operating member is pivotally supported upon a pin 29 carried by the casing. The operating member 28 is extended beyond the pivotrod 29 in the form of a bell crank lever to overlap the left hand ends of the slots 25 and a compression spring 30 is disposed between the latch 19 and the operating member 28, which spring tends to hold the latch 19 in its locking position. The lever 20 is pivotally supported upon a rod 31 carried by the casing 17 and is extended beyond the rod 31 to carry a pin 32 engaging a second slot formed in the extension of the latch 19. The lever 20 also carries a second pin 33 engaging a slotformed in the upper end of a second operating member 34 which is pivotally supported in the casing 17 on a rod 35 carried thereby. The lower end of the operating member 34 overlaps the right hand ends of the slots 25.

As a result of the construction described it will appearthat motion of either operating member toward the end of the slots 25 by a suitable operating tool will move the latches 19 and 22 to their releasing position and that continued motion of the operating tool will serve to move the switch from its closed position to its open position or from its open position to its closed position, de pending upon the direction of motion of the operating tool and the initial position of the switch. I

Tlhe ends of the connecting rod 21 are screw threaded into clevises or other connecting devices so that the latch 22 may readily be given difierent positions of adjustment relative to the lever 20 so that it may properly engage the catch 24.

In the construction shown. in Figs. 3 and 4 my improved switch is shown in use as a cut-out switch for an oil switch, the first support 10 being the lower terminal of the oil switch mechanism'while' the second support 16 constitutes the terminal of one or the feeders supplying the oil switch with current. I The brackets 11 and 36 secured to theiirstand second supports respectively support the pivot clip 12 and the contact clip 15? respectively of the switch.

The switch construction is substantially the same as shown and described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2,the principal differences being that there are two switch. blades 13*betwe'en which a first block 37 is secured near the free ends or" the switch blades for supporting the casing 17 of the locking mechanism and a second block 38 is secured between the switch blades between the pivot and contact clips to support the second latch 22. This construction makes itpossible to haveithe contact clip 15* engage the switch blades at their extreme ends thus economizingrooin between the supports 10 and 16 which is very desirable in connection with oil switch equipm cut for the reason that the .cut-outswitch compartment below the oil a striking distance as possible between the conducting parts carried by the supports 10 and 16. On account of the walls of the oil switch compartment preventing the placing of the operating tool in a vertical position to move the switch to its closed position it is desirable to shape the slots 25, as indicated in Figs. 3 and 5, so that the operating tool whenplaced at an angle extending upwardly and outwardly from the locking mechanism may eiiectively operate the operating member 28, which would not be the case were the slots 25 extended perpendicularly to the center line oi the switch. blades.

While I have shown my invention in the particular embodiments above described it will be understood that I do not limit myself to these exact constructions as I may employ equivalents thereof known to the art at the time of the filing of this application without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

In the modified construction shown in Fig. 6 the switch blade 13' carries acasing 17 for the locking mechanism in which casing the latch 39" is pivotally supported at 40. The latch is extended beyond its pivotal support to form the lever 39" engaging one end of the connecting rod 21" in such a manner that the locking latch and the lever constitute an integral structure. A single operating member 41 is pivotally mounted in the casing 17 at 4-2 and is provided with a projecting lug 41 lying to the left oi the pivotal supports 4.0 and {E2 in engagement with a corresponding shoulder formed on the latch 39. The operating member ll and the latch 39 are provided with engaging surfaces 41 and 39 to the right of the pivot supports 40 and 42, as a result of which mo tion of the operating member in either direction on its pivotal support rotates the latch 39 and thus the lever 39 around to the left upon its pivotal support. The operating member 41 is extended to overlap the slots 25 formed through the walls of the casing 17 and theoverlapping end of the operating member contains the opening #12 in alinement with said slots for receiving an operating tool for actuating said operating membe The other end of the connecting rod 21 is pivotally connected with a second latch 22 substantially the sameconstruction and'mounted in substantially the same manner as described above for the latch 22.

The connecting rod 21 is similar to the connecting rod 21 above described and serves substantially the same purpose, the only difference being that the rod is threaded for a greater distance from its upper end shown in. Fig. 6 to receive j am nuts against which one end of a compression spring 44 encircling the connecting rod rests, the other end of said spring resting against a bracket 13 secured to the switch blade 13 near the free end of said blade through which bracket the connecting rod preferably passes. By this construction the number of parts of the locking mechanism is materially reduced, and furthermore the spring 44 serving to hold the latches in their locking position may be readily adjusted so as to have just the tenson required to properly hold the latchesin their engaging position.

diat I claim is:

1. In a locking switch of the lock-in lock" out type, the combination of a first support, a pivot clip carried by said support, a switch blade pivoted to said pivot clip, a second sup port, a contact clip carried by said second support for engaging said switch blade in its closed position, a catch carried by said second support, locking mechanism carried by the switch blade engaging said catch when the switch is closed, a second catch carried by said first support, a latch pivotally carried by said switch blade between said pivot clip and said contact clip, and a connecting rod. between said latch and said locking mechanism, whereby operation of said locking mechanism operates said latch, and a casing carried by said switch blade for con-- taining said locking mechanism, said casing having slots through its opposite walls to receive an operating tool.

2. In a locking switch of the lock-in lock-- out type, the combination of a first support, a pivot clip carried by said support, a switch blade pivoted. to said pivot clip, a second. support, a contact clip carried by said second support for engaging said switch blade in its closed position, a catch carried by said second support, locking mechanism carriedv by the switch blade engaging said catch when the switch is closed, a second catch. carried by said first support, a latch pivot-- ally carried by said switch blade between. said pivot clip and said contact clip, and a connecting rod between. said latch and said locking mechanism, whereby operation of said locking mechanism operates said latch, and a casing carried by said switch blade for containing said locking mechanism, said casing having slots through its opposite walls to receive an operating tool, said lockingmechanism comprising a second latch, two operating members overlapping said slots, and devices connecting said members and said second latch' with said connecting rod.

3. In a locking switch'of the lock-in lockout type, the combination of a first support, a pivot clip carried by said support, a switch blade pivoted to said pivot clip, a second support, a contact clip carried by said second support for engaging said switch blade in its closed position, a catch carried by said second support, locking mechanism carried by the switch blade engaging said catch when the switch is closed, a second catch carried by said first support, a latch pivotally carried by said switch blade between said pivot clip and said contact clip, and a connecting rod between said latch and said locking mechanism, whereby operation of said locking mechanism operates said latch, and a casing carried by said switch blade for containing said locking mechanism, said casing having slots through its opposite walls to receive an operating tool, said locking mechanism comprising a second latch, two operating members overlapping said slots, and devices connecting said members and said second latch with said connecting rod, said slots extending at substantially right angles to said switch blade adjacent one of said members and obliquely of said blade adjacent the other of said members.

4:. In a locking switch of the lock-in lockout type, the combination of a first support,

a pivot clip carried by said support, a switch blade pivoted to said pivot clip, a second support, a contact clip carried by said second support for engaging said switch blade in its closed position, a catch carried by said second support, locking mechanism carried by the switch blade engaging said catch when the switch is closed, a second catch carried by said first support, a latch pivotally carried by said switch blade between said pivot clip and said contact clip, and a connecting rod between said latch and said locking mechanism, whereby operation of said locking mechanism operates said latch, and a casing carried by said switch blade for containing said locking mechanism, said casing having slots through its opposite walls to receive an operating tool, said connecting rod having a threaded end for adjusting said first latch as desired relatively to said locking mechanism.

5. In a locking switch of the lock-in lockout type, the combination of a first support, a pivot clip carried by said support, a switch blade pivoted to said pivot clip, a second support, a contact clip carried by said second support for engaging said switch blade in its closed position, a catch carried by said second support, locking mechanism carried by the switch blade engaging said catch when the switch is closed, a second catch carried by said first support, a latch pivotally carried by said switch blade between said pivot clip and said contact clip, and a connecting rod between said latch and said locking mechanism, whereby operation of said locking mechanism operates said latch, and a casing carried by said switch blade for containing said locking mechanism, said casing having slots through its opposite walls to receive an operating tool, said locking mechanism comprising a second latch, two operating members overlapping said slots, and devices connecting said members and said second latch with said connecting rod, said connecting rod having a threaded end for adjusting a latch pivotally carried by said switch blade between saidpivot clip and said contact clip, and a connecting rod between said latch and said locking mechanism, whereby operation of said locking mechanism op erates said latch, and a casing carried by said switch blade for containing said locking mechanism, said casing having slots through its opposite walls to receive an operating tool, said locking mechanism comprising a second latch, two operating members overlapping said slots, and devices connecting said members and said second latch with said connecting rod, said slots eX- tending at substantially right angles to said switch blade adjacent one of said members and obliquely of said blade adjacent the other of said members, said connecting rod having a threaded end for adjusting said first latch as desired relatively to said looking mechanism.

7. In a locking switch of the lock-in lockout type, the combination of a first support, a pivot clip carried by said support, a switch blade pivoted to said pivot clip, a second support, a contact clip carried by said second support for engaging said switch blade in its closed position, a catch carried by said second support, locking mechanismcarried by the switch blade engaging said catch when the switch is closed, a second catch carried by said first support, a, latch pivotally carried by said switch blade between said pivot clip and said contact clip,and a connecting rod between said latch and said locking mechanism, whereby operation oisaid locking mechanism operates said latch, and a casing carried by said switch blade for containing said locking mechanism, said casing having slots through its opposite walls to receive an operating tool, and a block carried by said. switch blade between said pivot clip and said contact clip for supporting said casing.

8. In a locking switch of the lock-in lockout type, the combination of a first support, a pivot clip carried by said support, a switch blade pivoted to said pivot clip, a second support, a contact clip carried by said second support for engaging said switch blade in its closed position,a catch carried by said second support, locking mechanism carried by the switch blade engaging said catch when the switch is closed, a. second catch carried by said first support, a latch pivotally carried by said switch blade between said pivot clip and said contact clip, and a connecting rodbetween said latch and said locking mechanism, whereby. operation of said locking mechanism operates said latch, and a casing carried by said switch blade for containing said locking mechanism, said casing having slots through its opposite walls to receive an operating tool, saidlocking mechanism comprising a second latch, two operating members overlapping said slots, and devices connecting said members and saidsecond latch with said connecting rod, and a block carried by said switch blade between said pivot. clip and said contact clip for supporting said casing.

9. In a locking switch of the lock-in lockout type, the combination of a first support, a pivot clip carried by said support, a switch blade pivoted to said pivot clip, a second support, a contact clip carried bysaid second support for engaging said switch blade in its closed position, a catch carried by said second support, locking mechanism carried by the switch blade engaging said catch when the switch is closed, a secondcatch carried by said first support, a latch pivotally carried by said switch blade between said pivot clip and said contact clip, and a connecting rod between said latch and said locking mechanism, whereby operation of said locking mechanism operates said latch, and a casing carried by said switch blade for containing said locking mechanism, said casing having slots throughits opposite walls to receive an operating tool, said locking mechanism comprising a second latch, two operating members overlapping said slots, and devices connecting said members and saidjsecond latch with said'connecting rod, said slots extending at substantially right angles to said switch blade adjacent one of said members and obliquely of said blade adjacent the other of said members, and a block carried by said switch blade between said pivot clip and said contact clip for supporting said casing.

10. In a locking switch of the lock-in lockout type, the combination of a first support, a pivot clip carried by said support, a switch blade pivoted to said pivot clip, a second support, a contact clip carried by said second support for engaging said switch blade in its closed position], a catch carried by said second-support, locking mechanism carried by the switch blade engaging said catch when the switch is closed, a second catch carried by said first support, a latch pivotally carried by said switch blade between saidpivot clip and said contact clip, and a connecting rod between said latch and said locking mechanism, whereby operation of said locking mechanism operates said latch, and a casing carried by said switch blade for containing said locking mechanism, said casing having slots through its opposite walls to receive an operating tool, said locking mechanism comprising a second latch pivotally mounted in said casing, two operating members pivotally mounted in said casing and overlapping opposite ends of said'slots, a lever pivotally mounted in said casing and articulating with said second latch, said lever being connected with said connecting rod and said members articulating respectively with said second latch and said lever, and a spring tending to hold said latches in their locking position.

11. In a locking switch of the lock-in lockout type, the combination of a first support, a pivot clip carried by said support, a switch blade pivoted to said pivot clip, a second support, a contact clip carried by said second support for engaging said switch blade in its closed position, a catch carried by said second support, locking mechanism carried by the switch blade engaging said catch when the switch is closed, a second catch carried by said first support, a latch pivotally carried by said switch blade between said pivot clip and said contact clip, and a connecting rod betweensaid latch and said locking mechanism, whereby operation of said locking mechanism operates said latch, and a casing carried bysaid switch blade for containing said locking mechanism, said casing having slots through its opposite walls to receive an operating tool, said locking mechanism comprising a second latch pivotally mounted 1n said caslng, two operating members pivotally mounted in said casing and overlapping opposite ends of said slots, a lever pivotally mounted in said casing and articulating with said second latch, said lever being connected with said connecting rod and said members articulating respectively with said second latch and said lever, and a spring tending to hold said latches in their locln'ng position, said slots extending at substantially right angles to said switch blade adjacent one of said members and obliquely of-said blade adjacent the other of said members; o

12. In a locking switch of the lock-in lock-out' type, the combination of a first support, a pivot clip carried by said support, a switch blade pivotedto said plvot clip, a second support, a contact clip carried by said second support for engaging said switch blade in its closed position, a catch carried I by said second support, locking mechanism carried bythe switch blade engaging said catch when the switch is closed, a second catch 'carried'by said first support,

a latch pivotally carried by said switch blade between saidpivot clip and said contact clip, and a connecting rod between ried by said switch blade for containing said locking mechanism, said casing having slots through its opposite walls to receive an operating tool, said locking mechanism comprising a second latch pivotally mounted in said casing, two operating members pivotally mounted in said casing and overlapping opposite ends of said slots, a lever pivotally mounted in said casing and articulating with said second latch, said lever being connected with said connecting rod and said members articulating respectively with said second latch and said lever, and a-spring tending to hold said latches in their locking position, said connecting rod having a threaded end for adjusting said first latch as desired relatively to said locking mechanism.

18. In a locking switch of the lock-in lock-out type, the combination of a first support, a pivot clip carried by said support, a switch blade pivoted to said pivot clip, a second support, a contact clip carried by said second support for engaging said switch blade in its closed position, a catch carried by said second support, locking mechanism carried by the switch blade engaging said catch when the switch is closed, a second catch carried by said first support, a latch pivotally carried by said switch blade between said pivot clip and saidcontact clip, and a connecting rod between said latch and said locking mechanism, whereby operation of said locking mechanism operates said latch, and a casing carried by said switch blade for containing said locking mechanism, said casing having slots through its opposite walls to receive an operating tool, said locking mechanism comprising a second latch pivotally mounted in said casing, two operating members pivotally mounted in said casing and overlapping opposite ends of said slots, a lever pivotally mounted in said casing and articulating threaded end for adjusting said first latch as desired relatively to said locking mechanism.

"14. In a locking switch of the lock-in lock-out type, the combination of a first support, a pivot clip carried by said support, a switch blade pivoted to said pivot clip, a second support, a contact clip'carried by members, said connecting rod having a c said second support for engaging said switch blade 1n 1ts closed position, a catch carriedby said second support, locking mechanism carried by the switch blade engaging said catch when the switch is closed, a second catch carried by said first support,

a latch pivotally carried by said switch blade between said pivot clip and said contact clip, and a connecting rod between said latch and said locking mechanism, whereby operation of said locking mechanism operates said latch, and a casing carried by said Switchblade for containing said locking mechanism, said casing having slots through its opposite walls to receive an operating tool, said locking mechanism com prising a second latch plvotally mountedin said casing, two operating members pivotally "mounted in said caslng and overlapplng opposite ends of said slots, a lever pivotally mounted in said casing and ar tlculatmg wlth sald second latch, said lever 7 being connected with said connecting rod port, a switch. blade pivoted to said pivot clip, a second support, a contact clip carried by said second support .for engaging said switch blade, in its closed position, a catch carried by said second support, locking mechanism carried. by the switch blade engaging said catch when the switch is closed,

a'se'condcatch carried by said first support, a', latch. plvotally carried by said switch blade between said plvot clip and said contact clip, and a connecting rod between said latch and said locking mechanism, whereby operation of said locking mechanism operates saidlatch, and a casing carried by said switch blade for containing said looking mechanism, said casing having slots "through its opposite walls to'r'eceive an operating tool, said locking mechanism comprising a second-latch pivotally mounted in said casingftwo operating members pivotally mounted in said casing and overlap ping opposite ends of said slots, a lever pivotally mounted in said casing and ar- 'ticulating with said second latch, said lever being connected with said connecting rod and said members articulating respectively with-saidsecon'd latch and said lever, and a spring tending to hold said latches. in their locking position, said slots extending at substantially right angles to said switch blade adjacent one of said members and "obliquelyofisaid bladeadjacen't the other of said members, and a block carried by 1,342, are

said switch blade between said pivot clip and said contact clip for supporting said casing. V V 1 16. In a locking switch of the lock-in lockout type, the combination of a first support, a pivot clip carried by said support, a switch bladepivoted to said pivot clip, a second support, a contact clip carried by said second support for engaging saidswitch blade in its closed position, a catch-carried by said second support, lockingmechanism carried by the switch blade engaging said catch when the switch is closed, a second catch carried by said first support, a latch pivotally carried by said switch blade between said pivot clip and said contact clip, and a connecting rod between said latch and said locking mechanism, whereby operationof said locking mechanism operates said latch, and a casing carried by said switch blade for containing'said locking mechanism, said casing having slots through its opposite walls to receive an operating tool,'said locking mechanism comprising a "second latch pivotally mounted in said casing, and an operating member engaging said second latch and pivotally mounted in said casing.

17. In a locking switch of the lock-in lockout type, the combination of a first support,

a pivot clip carried by said support, a switchblade pivoted tosaid' pivot clip, a. second support, a contact clip carried bysaidsecond support for engaging said switch blade in its closed position, a catch carried by said second support, locking mechanism carried by the switch blade engaging said catch when theswitch is closed, a second catch carried by said first support, a-latch pivotallycarried by said switch blade between said pivot clip andsaid contact clip, and a connecting rod between said latch and said locking mechanism, whereby operation of said-locking mechanism operates saidlatch,said looking mechanism comprising a second latch pivotally supported by said Switchblade and an operating member engaging said sec-' pivotallysupported by said 7 ond latch and switch blade. V 18. In a locking switch of the lock-in-lockout type, the combination of a first support, a pivot clip carried by said support, a switch blade pivoted to said pivotclip, a second support, a contact clip-carried by said second support for engagingsaid switch blade in its closed position, a catch carried by -said second support, locking mechanism carried by the Switchblade engaging said catch when the switch is closed,- a second catch car ried by saidiirst support, a latchrpivotally carried by said switch bl adelbetween said pivot clip and said .conta'ctclip, and-a connectin-g. rod between said latclrand saidlocking mechanism, whereby operation gof'said locking mechanism operates said. latch, and a casing'carried by said-switch blade for containing said locking mechanism, said casing having slots through its opposite walls to receive an operating tool, said locking mechanism comprising a second latch pivotally mounted in said casing, and an operating member engaging said second latch and pivotally mounted in said casing, said slots extending in one direction at one end thereof and in another direction at the other end thereof.

19. In a locking switch of the lock-in lockout type, the combination of a first support, a pivot clip carried by said support, a switch blade pivoted to said pivot clip, a second support,a contact clip carried by said second support for engaging said switch blade in its closed position, a catch carried by said second support, locking mechanism carried by the switch blade engaging said catch when the switch is closed, a second catch carried by said first support, a latch pivotally carried by said switch blade between said pivot clip and said contact clip, and a connecting rod between said latch and said locking mechanism, whereby operation of said looking mechanism operates said latch, and a casing carried by said switch blade for containing said locking mechanism, said casing having slots through its opposite walls to receive an operating tool, said locking mechanism comprising a second latch pivotally mounted in said casing, an operating member pivotally mounted in said casing and overlapping said slots, said operating member engaging said second latch to operate the same, and a lever connected with said second latch, said lever being pivotally connected with said connecting rod.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this th day of October, A. D.

EDSON 0., SESSIONS, 

